Emu looking to the right cropped in to the head.

Emu

Emu

Check out Australia Zoo’s Emu!

Introducing Australia’s tallest bird – the emu! These iconic, flightless birds can be spotted all day long in our emu habitat, right here at Australia Zoo.

 

Emu looking directly at the camera with mouth slightly open.

 

They are found living throughout the continent and inhabit a variety of environments, including arid inland regions, snowy mountains, coastal terrain and woodlands. They are often spotted by the road side in search of fruits, seeds, grasses and insects!

 

Three emus eating grass.

 

Along with their height, emus can be identified by their long, shaggy grey and brown feathers and a featherless black and blue head and neck. They have long, powerful legs used to run at high speeds in order to avoid being preyed upon by dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles. Emus are also equipped with three large toes on each foot. These may be used for defense if necessary.

 

Emu showing body and up looking to the right.

 

Emus have an unusual nesting ritual! The female will lay up to 12 beautiful, green eggs before leaving the male to incubate and raise the chicks all by himself.

 

Due to their diverse habitat and lack of predators, they are a species of least concern. Woo-hoo!

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Aves

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Dromaius

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    novaehollandiae

  • height of animal icon
    Size

    1.6 - 1.8 metres

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    30 - 45 kilograms

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Omnivore

  • gestation of animal icon
    Incubation

    60 days